Document non-expiring HiveMQ certificate solution #195

Copilot · 2025-10-22T00:56:53Z

Overview

This PR updates the documentation to reflect the availability of a non-expiring certificate solution for HiveMQ connections, resolving the periodic certificate expiration issues referenced in #103 and sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo#253.

Problem

Previously, HiveMQ Cloud certificates were server-specific and expired periodically (typically every 90 days), requiring students to repeatedly regenerate certificates for their microcontroller projects. This created ongoing maintenance issues and confusion for students working on assignments.

Solution

The solution uses the intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1) from the certificate chain instead of the server-specific certificate. This approach:

Does not expire like server-specific certificates
Works across different HiveMQ broker instances (not tied to a specific hostname)
Is extracted automatically using the existing 7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb notebook

The notebook extracts the second certificate (the intermediate CA) from the certificate chain rather than the first (server-specific) certificate, providing a stable, long-lasting solution.

Changes Made

Updated Documentation Files:

docs/courses/hello-world/mqtt-warning.md
- Added explanation of the non-expiring certificate solution
- Clarified that the intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1) provides the solution
- Emphasized that the certificate works across different broker instances
docs/courses/hello-world/1.1-running-the-demo.md
- Added "Good news" callout highlighting the non-expiring certificate availability
- Provided clear link to certificate generation notebook
- Explained the benefits over the previous approach

Additional Notes

As mentioned in the original issue, the following template repositories in the ACC-HelloWorld organization should also be updated with similar changes:

ACC-HelloWorld/1-running-the-demo
ACC-HelloWorld/4-hardware-software-communication
ACC-HelloWorld/6-connecting-the-pieces

These repositories are in a separate GitHub organization and will need to be updated separately following the same documentation pattern.

References

Fixes Reliability and uptime for microcontroller code #103
Related to HiveMQ certificate seems to keep expiring periodically sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo#253
Solution demonstrated at: HiveMQ certificate seems to keep expiring periodically sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo#253 (comment)

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Original prompt

This section details on the original issue you should resolve

<issue_title>Implement non-expiring certificate</issue_title>
<issue_description>Shown to work - sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo#253 (comment), docs need to be updated. Related to #103

Possibly in assignment(s) too, but would need to check.

EDIT: Can check the assignments in READMEs of template repos (especially, 1, 4, and 6) in ACC-HelloWorld gh organization using your github MCP tool

Might need/want to update any hivemq certs that are committed to various repos as well</issue_description>

Comments on the Issue (you are @copilot in this section)

Fixes #164

✨ Let Copilot coding agent set things up for you — coding agent works faster and does higher quality work when set up for your repo.

Co-authored-by: sgbaird <45469701+sgbaird@users.noreply.github.com>

Updated instructions for using the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file and introduced the non-expiring root certificate option.

Updated the warning about HiveMQ Cloud certificate changes and added information on non-expiring certificates.

Copilot

Pull Request Overview

This PR updates documentation to address the HiveMQ certificate expiration issue by introducing a non-expiring root certificate solution, making it easier for students to maintain their microcontroller projects without repeatedly regenerating certificates.

Updates documentation to explain the availability of a non-expiring ISRG Root X1 certificate
Provides links to the new certificate in release packages (v0.8.13+) and generation notebooks
Recommends the root certificate approach over instance-specific certificates

Reviewed Changes

Copilot reviewed 2 out of 2 changed files in this pull request and generated 4 comments.

File	Description
`docs/courses/hello-world/mqtt-warning.md`	Updated warning text to explain the non-expiring certificate solution and provide download/generation links
`docs/courses/hello-world/1.1-running-the-demo.md`	Updated warning in the video tutorial section to guide users toward the non-expiring certificate approach

Copilot · 2025-11-18T00:06:01Z

docs/courses/hello-world/mqtt-warning.md

@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
 ```{warning}
-Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. The [latest `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) from [`self-driving-lab-demo`](https://github.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo) will be hard-coded to the `self-driving-lab-demo` public test credentials (i.e., what is used in Module 1 - Running the Demo), so the *tutorials* should run without issue as long as you are using that file. However, the *assignment* requires you to have your own HiveMQ Cloud broker instance, so you will need to [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` file specific to your instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb) and upload it to your microcontroller in place of the default one.
+Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. However, a **non-expiring certificate solution** is available using the intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1) instead of the server-specific certificate.


The text refers to "intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1)" but ISRG Root X1 is actually a root certificate, not an intermediate certificate. This creates confusion about the certificate chain.

Suggestion: Change "using the intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1)" to "using the root certificate (ISRG Root X1)" for technical accuracy.

Suggested change

Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. However, a **non-expiring certificate solution** is available using the intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1) instead of the server-specific certificate.

Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. However, a **non-expiring certificate solution** is available using the root certificate (ISRG Root X1) instead of the server-specific certificate.

Copilot · 2025-11-18T00:06:02Z

docs/courses/hello-world/1.1-running-the-demo.md


 ```{warning}
-You must copy [the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) to the Pico W for it to work with recent version of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package. If you swapped out the credentials with your own broker information (required for the assignment), you must [generate your own `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb) due to a recent change in HiveMQ's security procedures (as of 2024-07-03).
+You must copy [the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) to the Pico W for it to work with recent version of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package. A non-expiring, "root" certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages releases v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.


The warning starts with "You must copy [the hivemq-com-chain.der file]" (referring to a specific deprecated file) but then immediately recommends using the non-expiring root certificate instead. This creates confusion about which approach users should actually follow.

Suggestion: Restructure to clearly indicate that the old approach (copying the specific file from the repo) is no longer recommended, and the new recommended approach is to use the non-expiring root certificate from releases v0.8.13+. For example:

"For the demo to work with recent versions of the self-driving-lab-demo package, you need a HiveMQ certificate file (hivemq-com-chain.der). A non-expiring, 'root' certificate is now available in sdl_demo.zip packages releases v0.8.13 and beyond [colab]. This is the recommended approach as it works across all HiveMQ instances. Alternatively, you can generate a certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance."

Suggested change

You must copy [the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) to the Pico W for it to work with recent version of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package. A non-expiring, "root" certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages releases v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.

For recent versions of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package, you need a HiveMQ certificate file (`hivemq-com-chain.der`). The recommended approach is to use the non-expiring, "root" certificate included in `sdl_demo.zip` package releases v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)], which works across all HiveMQ instances. Alternatively, for legacy setups or specific HiveMQ instances, you may [generate a certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb) or use the older [`hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der).

Copilot · 2025-11-18T00:06:02Z

docs/courses/hello-world/mqtt-warning.md

-Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. The [latest `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) from [`self-driving-lab-demo`](https://github.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo) will be hard-coded to the `self-driving-lab-demo` public test credentials (i.e., what is used in Module 1 - Running the Demo), so the *tutorials* should run without issue as long as you are using that file. However, the *assignment* requires you to have your own HiveMQ Cloud broker instance, so you will need to [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` file specific to your instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb) and upload it to your microcontroller in place of the default one.
+Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. However, a **non-expiring certificate solution** is available using the intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1) instead of the server-specific certificate.
+
+A non-expiring, "root" certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages [releases](https://github.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/releases) v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.


[nitpick] Inconsistent use of "root" in quotation marks. In line 4, "root" is quoted ("root" certificate) but the text should either consistently use quotes or not use them at all. Since ISRG Root X1 is technically a root certificate, the quotes are unnecessary and may suggest uncertainty about the terminology.

Suggestion: Remove the quotation marks around "root" for consistency and clarity: A non-expiring root certificate is contained in...

Suggested change

A non-expiring, "root" certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages [releases](https://github.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/releases) v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.

A non-expiring, root certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages [releases](https://github.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/releases) v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.

Copilot · 2025-11-18T00:06:02Z

docs/courses/hello-world/1.1-running-the-demo.md


 ```{warning}
-You must copy [the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) to the Pico W for it to work with recent version of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package. If you swapped out the credentials with your own broker information (required for the assignment), you must [generate your own `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb) due to a recent change in HiveMQ's security procedures (as of 2024-07-03).
+You must copy [the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) to the Pico W for it to work with recent version of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package. A non-expiring, "root" certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages releases v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.


[nitpick] Inconsistent use of "root" in quotation marks. The text uses "root" certificate with quotes, but this should be consistent across the documentation. Since ISRG Root X1 is technically a root certificate, the quotes are unnecessary and may suggest uncertainty about the terminology.

Suggestion: Remove the quotation marks around "root" for consistency and clarity: A non-expiring root certificate is contained in...

Suggested change

You must copy [the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) to the Pico W for it to work with recent version of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package. A non-expiring, "root" certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages releases v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.

You must copy [the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/main/src/public_mqtt_sdl_demo/hivemq-com-chain.der) to the Pico W for it to work with recent version of the `self-driving-lab-demo` package. A non-expiring, root certificate is contained in `sdl_demo.zip` packages releases v0.8.13 and beyond [[colab](https://colab.research.google.com/gist/sgbaird/5ddef425e8d4aae454a69fbce8654faf/hivemq-root-cert.ipynb)]. You can also [generate a `hivemq-com-chain.der` certificate specific to your HiveMQ instance](https://colab.research.google.com/github/sparks-baird/self-driving-lab-demo/blob/main/notebooks/7.2.1-hivemq-openssl-certificate.ipynb). We recommend using the non-expiring, root certificate, which is applicable for all HiveMQ instances.

Initial plan

20d54d3

Copilot AI assigned Copilot and sgbaird Oct 22, 2025

Copilot started work on behalf of sgbaird October 22, 2025 00:57 View session

Update docs with non-expiring certificate information

20f9bf3

Co-authored-by: sgbaird <45469701+sgbaird@users.noreply.github.com>

Copilot AI changed the title ~~[WIP] Implement non-expiring certificate and update documentation~~ Document non-expiring HiveMQ certificate solution Oct 22, 2025

Copilot AI requested a review from sgbaird October 22, 2025 01:04

Copilot finished work on behalf of sgbaird October 22, 2025 01:04

sgbaird added 2 commits November 17, 2025 18:57

Revise certificate instructions for Pico W setup

d40ee30

Updated instructions for using the `hivemq-com-chain.der` file and introduced the non-expiring root certificate option.

Revise MQTT warning for HiveMQ Cloud certificates

30a6e08

Updated the warning about HiveMQ Cloud certificate changes and added information on non-expiring certificates.

sgbaird marked this pull request as ready for review November 18, 2025 00:03

Copilot AI review requested due to automatic review settings November 18, 2025 00:03

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Document non-expiring HiveMQ certificate solution #195

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	Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. However, a non-expiring certificate solution is available using the intermediate certificate (ISRG Root X1) instead of the server-specific certificate.
	Recently, HiveMQ Cloud changed such that `hivemq-com-chain.der` (a Certificate Authority (CA) file) is not transferrable across different broker instances. However, a non-expiring certificate solution is available using the root certificate (ISRG Root X1) instead of the server-specific certificate.

Document non-expiring HiveMQ certificate solution #195

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Overview

Problem

Solution

Changes Made

Updated Documentation Files:

Additional Notes

References

I tried to connect to the following addresses, but was blocked by firewall rules:

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